Clam City

Location: North of Mecherchar Island.

Distance from Koror: 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Koror, 30 to 40 minutes by speedboat.

Visibility: 15 to 30 feet (5 to 10 meters).

Level of Diving Experience: Novice.

Diving Depth Summary: 3 to 30 feet (1 to 10 meters).

Currents: None.

General Information: This privately owned island is one of the most beautiful in Palau. To visit the island, permission, from its owner Hokkons Baules, is needed. Giant Tridacnas Clams, brought to this island for protection against poachers, dot the coral slopes and sandy bottom, on the south side, of the island. Some of the clams weigh as much as 250 lb. and are estimated to be over 100 years old.

Reef Formation: Staghorn corals and large Porites coral heads are found along the sandy bottom of this island.

Marine life: An abundance of small reef fish, colorful Anthias, Sergeant Majors, Moorish Idols and many species of Chromis inhabit the corals.

Diving: This area offers good snorkeling. It is a popular spot for dive operators to stop for lunch break picnics. 

Fascinating Facts: The clams synthesize solar energy through many tiny “black-eye” pores on the mantle. A diver or snorkeler blocking the sunlight will cause the clam to close, sometimes very quickly.